A Celebration of Southern Culture & A Tradition Like No Other The Kentucky Derby

Avisit to the Bluegrass State of Kentucky, isn’t complete without a trip to the Kentucky Derby. As the longest running sporting event in U.S. history, The Run for the Roses® began in 1875 and has evolved into more than just a one and one-quarter mile long race for three-year-old thoroughbred horses. Today, it’s a celebration of Southern culture as represented by beautiful hats, mint juleps, the “My Old Kentucky Home” theme song, and lavish celebrations.

For aspiring competitors, the road to the Kentucky Derby is challenging. Just 20 horses compete in the race and eligibility is based on a series of 35 races held at tracks around the world. The top four horses that finish in each of those 35 races, and the 20 horses with the most points, earn a coveted spot at the Kentucky Derby and a chance to win $2 million.

Today, it’s a celebration of Southern culture as represented by beautiful hats, mint juleps, the “My Old Kentucky Home” theme song, and lavish celebrations.

This year’s delayed Kentucky Derby takes place Saturday, September 5 and is expected to attract a crowd of 155,000+ people, many of whom will travel a great distance to see “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.” The Kentucky Derby is the first race within the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, where it is followed by the Preakness Stakes race and the Belmont Stakes race.

There’s no shortage of glamorous parties during Kentucky Derby Week and this year’s event is set to kick off in style with Fund for the Arts featuring a variety of artists, live performances and art installations, and ten thrilling thoroughbred races that combine tomakethis night a one-ofa-kind, dress-to-impress experience. The signature accessory for Opening Night is an evening headpiece -- fascinator, feathers, a hat, a headband, or something similarly stunning.

A Visit to Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Is Not Complete Without a Mint Julep

120,000+ Mint Juleps are consumed during Kentucky Derby weekend at Churchill Downs Racetrack requiring approximately 10,000 bottles of Old Forester Mint Julep Cocktail, 1,000 pounds of freshly harvested mint and 60,000 pounds of ice.

Mint Julep Recipe

3 oz. Old Forester Mint Julep

0.75 oz. Simple Syrup

8-10 mint leaves